Things to do in Hampstead, NC

February 25, 2024

Hampstead, in the Cape Fear region of North Carolina, is a laid back coastal community of about 7,000 inhabitants. It's a suburb of Wilmington (just 10 miles away) and is equally close to the public beaches of Surf City. While many enjoy Hampstead’s proximity to the coast, which provides a relaxing and serene environment, there are other fun things this town offers.

Here are the top five picks.

Top 5 Interesting Things to Experience in Hampstead, NC

 

1. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!

One of the best ways to experience the community is to visit local hangouts and joints, and eat and drink as the locals do.

Ironclad and Golf & Beer Garden

The Ironclad Golf & Beer Garden is the perfect place for people who enjoy a world-class 18-hole course and good beer. As a multipurpose entertainment venue, the golf course is just one of the components of the extensive 178-acre property.

It also has a Belvedere Pickleball Center for members and non-members, with daily programs for pickleball enthusiasts. When you get hungry, you can head to Shaka Tacos for some Mexican specials.

The Beer Garden is where you can enjoy different brews. Some of the speciality beers include the following:

  • 2nd Street Seltzer Raspberry Hard Seltzer (4% ABV)
  • Brayton Kolsch KoĢˆlsch (5% ABV)
  • Peach Apricot Ale Gruit / Ancient Herbed Ale (5.3% ABV)
  • Tremendous IPA IPA American (6% ABV)
  • Navigator Double Bock Bock - Doppelbock (8.2%)

Jebby’s on 17

This popular sports bar serves all-American favorites, including the Carolina staple of she-crab soup, chicken pot pie, southern fried chicken, fried oysters, and shrimp po boy.

Oval & Ale

Pizza lovers must drop by this Italian joint. It serves a wide range of pizzas like Greek pizza, meat lovers pizza, and portobello and burrata pizza. Pair your favorite pizza with Oval & Ale’s wonderful selection of wine.

2. Sailing Charters and Boat Tours

Hampstead is a coastal community, aer all, so get your sunblock and hats ready for some of the most fun sailing and boat tours in the state. The tours in the town are aplenty, with some of the services including fishing expeditions, evening cruises, and stops to the most fantastic food destinations within Wilmington, Jacksonville, and the rest of Pender Country.

Topsail Island Tours

To the adventurous lot who love to dive or fish, or both, the Topsail Island Adventures will provide you with an experience to remember.

Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours

Not everybody wants to get wet or dirty during a boat trip. Not to worry because the Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours provides a boating voyage for animal enthusiasts. One may enjoy watching rare birds around town and the playful dolphins having fun at sunset. The tour will also pass idyllic locations with some large houses from known North Carolina plantations.

3. Visit Plantations

History buffs would find plantation visits in Hampstead and nearby communities largely interesting. Plantations provide insight into a different world where U.S. residents didn’t have the same rights.

Some of the popular plantations in Hampstead and nearby towns and cities include the following:

Popular Grove Plantation

The structure of the plantation was built in 1850. The property has since been entered into the National Register of Historic Places.

Belvedere Plantation

The house within the property is known as the Merrick-Nixon house, which was built in 1810. The structure has since been registered as part of the National Register of Historic Places.

4. Enjoy Parks & Recreation

Most of Hampstead already looks like a park with its evergreen surroundings, handsome trees, and lush plants. But it’s a different experience when you get a chance to just walk around the park or enjoy a picnic with friends and family.

Hampstead Kiwanis Park

Located within the community, the 53-acre park offers athletic fields, a walking trail, and a playground. In other words, the park is for people of all ages.

Kenneth D. Batts Family Park

Children will have a grand time navigating the swings, slides, camelback climber, and more amenities inside the park located in Surf City.

Soundside Park

Soundside Park is Surf City’s premier public destination, popular for its Intracoastal waterway. It provides a magnificent view of wildlife, and the sound of the water and the breeze are all about tranquillity.

5. Shopping

Whether you are shopping for necessities or products for mere gratification, a community is not complete without commercial establishments.

Bumblebee Market

This specialty store is packed with products like clothes, jewelry, books, etc. It is like a treasure chest with diverse finds inside.

Mia’s Marketplace

Living in a laidback town like Hampstead doesn’t excuse anyone from dressing up nicely. Mia’s Marketplace offers trendy and fashionable apparel and accessories.

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